Breaking Down Workplace Barriers Through Authentic Voices and Actionable Change

The workplace should be a space where everyone can thrive authentically. Yet for many trans and non-binary individuals across Europe, simply being themselves at work remains a daily challenge fraught with risks of discrimination, exclusion, and career limitations. A groundbreaking new European initiative, “Transcending Barriers: Promoting Trans Inclusion in the Workplace,” is working to change this reality through a comprehensive two-year program combining research, training, mentorship, and powerful storytelling.

The Power of Personal Stories

At the heart of the Transcending Barriers campaign is a compelling video series that brings forward authentic voices from the trans community. Rather than speaking about trans inclusion in abstract terms, the project centers the lived experiences of trans individuals navigating workplace environments.

“How do you know you’re a man or a woman?” reflects Jovan, one of the featured voices in the campaign video. “I don’t know. I just felt it… It’s just like a very strong feeling.” This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of gender identity – not as something that needs to be justified or explained, but as an intrinsic part of who someone is.

Another participant, Izan, describes their identity as “a home – my home, but it’s under construction,” while Robin emphasizes the multifaceted nature of identity, noting that being non-binary is just one part of who they are. These personal narratives humanize experiences that are often reduced to statistics or policy discussions.

The video’s narrator delivers a powerful message that resonates throughout the campaign: “We spend a third of our lives at work. Shouldn’t we spend it as ourselves? For many trans people, authenticity means risk. Risk of being ignored, corrected, excluded. But it doesn’t have to be that way.”

Moving from Awareness to Action

The Transcending Barriers project, running from February 2025 to January 2027, goes beyond raising awareness to provide concrete tools and training for creating inclusive workplaces. The initiative recognizes that meaningful change requires engaging multiple stakeholders – from trans individuals themselves to HR professionals who shape workplace culture.

The project has launched targeted surveys to gather crucial data about current workplace experiences and inclusion practices. For LGBTI+ community members, the survey aims to document the discrimination and inequality they face, understanding how prejudice and negative stereotypes impact employment opportunities, career progression, and economic compensation. HR professionals are invited to assess their organizations’ diversity and inclusion practices, recognizing their power to establish safe work environments where equality truly lives.

Take the survey: Both LGBTI+ community members and HR professionals can participate in the anonymous survey at: https://transcendingbarriers.limesurvey.net/191184?lang=en

The survey takes only 15-20 minutes to complete and requires a PC or laptop for proper functionality. Your participation is invaluable in understanding the current situation and developing effective solutions for workplace inclusion.

As the campaign emphasizes, “Supporting trans people at work isn’t just about policies. It’s about practice, presence and the willingness to do better.” This practical approach acknowledges that while policies provide a framework, real inclusion happens through daily actions, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

A Pan-European Collaborative Effort

The strength of the Transcending Barriers initiative lies in its diverse consortium of partners spanning multiple European countries and sectors. Led by the Università degli Studi di Brescia in Italy as project coordinator, the initiative brings together academic institutions, LGBTI advocacy organizations, employment support services, and policy engagement bodies.

Key partners include GLAS Foundation from Bulgaria leading project communications, the University of Girona in Spain developing curricula, Human Age Institute coordinating the TransMentor program, and LGL – National LGBT Rights Organization from Lithuania supporting advocacy efforts. The involvement of ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy ensures that project outcomes will reach EU-level policy discussions through a final conference aimed at fostering institutional change.

This collaborative approach ensures that the project addresses trans workplace inclusion from multiple angles – legal research, educational development, direct support services, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy – creating a comprehensive framework for sustainable change.

The TransMentor Program: Building Support Networks

One of the project’s innovative components is the TransMentor program, led by Human Age Institute. This initiative recognizes that navigating workplace challenges becomes easier with guidance from those who have walked similar paths. By connecting trans individuals with mentors who understand their experiences, the program provides both practical career support and crucial community building.

A Call to Leadership

The campaign makes a direct appeal to managers and organizational leaders: “You don’t need to be perfect to lead change, but you do need to be present, proactive and willing to listen.” This message acknowledges that creating inclusive workplaces isn’t about having all the answers but about committing to the journey of learning and improvement.

HR professionals and managers are positioned as key agents of change who “hold the key to establishing a safe work environment and positive culture where equality really lives and human dignity is not jeopardized.” The project provides them with the tools, training, and knowledge needed to move beyond good intentions to effective action.

Looking Forward: Building a More Inclusive Europe

The Transcending Barriers project represents a significant step toward building workplaces where trans individuals can bring their whole selves to work without fear of discrimination or exclusion. By combining personal storytelling with practical tools, academic research with grassroots advocacy, and individual support with systemic change efforts, the initiative offers a comprehensive approach to workplace inclusion.

As the project unfolds over the next two years, it aims to challenge workplace discrimination, promote LGBTIQ+ equality, and foster institutional change across Europe. The ultimate goal is clear: creating work environments where authenticity isn’t a risk but a valued contribution to organizational diversity and strength.

For more information about the Transcending Barriers project and to access resources for promoting trans inclusion in your workplace, visit workitout.bg. Whether you’re a trans individual seeking support, an HR professional looking to improve inclusion practices, or an ally wanting to make a difference, the project offers pathways for everyone to contribute to building more inclusive workplaces across Europe.

The Transcending Barriers: Promoting Trans Inclusion in the Workplace project is a European initiative running from February 2025 to January 2027, bringing together partners from Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, and international organizations to foster safer, more inclusive work environments for trans individuals.